National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 499
Submission to the Inquiry NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future
Generations) Bill 2026
To the Committee,
I am writing as a parent of a child with disability with lived experience navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I provide this submission in relation to the proposed amendments in the Bill and their potential impact on children and families.
My primary concern is that elements of the Bill may reduce access to individualised, disability-specific supports for children by shifting responsibility into broader mainstream or alternative early intervention systems, including proposed programs such as “Thriving Kids”.
Clause 1 – Objects and policy intent of the Bill I acknowledge the stated intent of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS. However, sustainability measures should not result in reduced access to reasonable and necessary supports for children with disability.
Any policy objective focused on cost control must remain secondary to ensuring children continue to receive timely, individualised, and evidence-based supports that address functional needs.
I do not support reforms that prioritise system cost containment over functional need.
Clause 2 – Changes affecting access pathways for children I am concerned that proposed changes may result in children being redirected away from the NDIS into alternative service systems based on broad eligibility categories rather than individual functional assessment.
Concerns include delayed supports, inconsistency, and children falling between systems.
The NDIS exists to provide individualised supports based on functional impact. Any amendments that dilute this principle risk reducing early intervention effectiveness.
Clause 3 – “Thriving Kids” and alternative early intervention I do not support redirection of children from the NDIS into alternative systems as a default pathway.
Concerns include lack of clarity, reduced continuity, inequity of access, and administrative burden on families.
Children require structured, consistent supports delivered by trained professionals.
Clause 4 – Funding and sustainability mechanisms Funding reform should not restrict reasonable and necessary supports for children who meet functional eligibility.
Concerns include increased thresholds, premature exits from the Scheme, and reduced plan funding not aligned with need.
Clause 5 – Safeguards and continuity Strong safeguards must ensure no loss of supports, no forced transitions, maintained continuity, and accessible review rights.
Recommendation
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 499
The NDIS must remain the primary national disability support system based on functional need. Early intervention reforms must be supplementary, not a replacement.
Existing participants must retain supports without forced transition.
Closing statement Reform must strengthen, not dilute, access to disability supports for children and families.